As the Laundress of this house, I make it a point to keep all monies I find during the clean-up. I mean, if I have to deal with shredded kleenex swirled around in the wash, or petrified apple cores, I’ll consider this lost money as a tip. If you can’t remember to empty your pockets, then you deserve the shakedown, as far as I’m concerned. The same rules apply for change lost in the bowels of couches and places like that, but of course, that’s a rarity since I almost never move the cushions for vacuuming. (Have I ever mentioned how much I loathe vacuuming?)

So, as I reached into the barrel of the washing machine the other day, pulling out the wet stuff to toss into the dryer, I heard a familiar clattering at the bottom of the bin. At first I wondered if I’d find some freshly washed screws or a little car or something. Instead I found a small handful of change. JOY!!

Two dollars and seventy-seven cents, freshly washed and gleaming, just for me.

I raked the coins up with my fingers and stuffed the change into my pockets, smiling smugly to myself, until I realised… it was mine. The doggone change was mine, out of my own pocket.

*cue sad trombone*

Whatever. It’s still nice to find money sometimes, right?

Now, confess… you keep the monies too, don’t you?

Tracey

ME TOO!! (Happens so seldom though… drat.)

Elena

I used to work at a drycleaners when I was younger. The things people left in their pockets were astounding and usually expensive. Jewelry and such we would bag up and return. But there were times when we found illegal stuff that we would just toss and pretend we didn’t see. Those people always looked guilty when they picked up their clothing. It was good practice though because now that I have teenagers I always check their pockets before the wash and often find a cell phones, ipods and cash. I return the electronics and pool the cash. When they ask for change I send them to the laundry room.

Sonya

Hey, ANY found money (even when it’s your own) is good. I love reaching into my pant- pockets and finding a fiver a few months later! The BEST!

Tamara

I’m with you. I keep the change too. If only there were some sort of compensation for all the rolled up socks that haven’t been turned right side out.